The below photographs of Nandi abhishekam at Arunachaleswarar Temple are of the Big Temple Pradosham observed on Thursday (Guru Pradosham) 6 July, 2017.
Abhishekam of Periyar Nandi |
Aarti of Periyar Nandi |
Aarti Nandi at Flagpost |
Aarti, Arunachaleswarar Temple Pradosham |
Lord Shiva enshrined in Nandi's Heart |
Pradosham means the “removal of sins”. These times are the windows of opportunity to remove karma or karmic energies that limit our potential in this current life. Pradosham occurs on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) during the waxing and waning phase of moon in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva on this day will relieve the devotee from sin and gives Moksha.
The importance of observing Pradosham is described in the Pradosha Mahatmyam from Shiva Purana. Pradosham indicates the meeting of the Sun and the Moon in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis.
Among the pujas performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, Pradosham puja is considered to be the most auspicious. It is believed that during this period all universal beings and Gods come down to earth and attend the worship.
During pradosham abhishekam of Lord Shiva the following are considered fruitful.
Milk Gives Long life
Ghee gives Moksha
Curd gives good children
Honey gives melodious voice
Rice Powder gives free from debts
Sugar Cane Juice gives good health
Panjamrutham gives wealth
Lemon removes fear of death
Sugar removes enmity
Tender Coconut gives enjoyment
Cooked Rice gives gives majestic life
Sandal gives Lakshmi’s grace